Massimiliano Allegri was moderately content with how Juventus fared versus PSG, as Maccabi Haifa losing to Benfica allowed them to finish third anyway. The coach commented to multiple outlets afterward (via Corriere dello Sport).
“We had strong players on the pitch, but with little international experience. The opponents were tough to face because they don’t apply much pressure, but they are lethal with the ball. The performance was good, but we conceded in the only instance where we were too long the pitch. We must turn the page and focus on Serie A. We must be angry and get back to work. On one side, we are satisfied with qualifying for Europa League, on the other one, we are bitter because this elimination is deserved, hurtful, and disappointing. We must use this fury in February.”
The gaffer quickly switched the focus to the upcoming clash with Inter.
“We have had many injuries this season. Some were muscular, others of different nature, and we can’t do anything about those. We have a very difficult and delicate game coming up against Inter, which I consider the best team in Italy. If everything goes well, Gleison Bremer, Angel Di Maria, and Dusan Vlahovic will be available, while Leandro Paredes will return Monday.”
Allegri commented on the somewhat unexpected return of Federico Chiesa.
“He had a good practice yesterday. I had doubts on a psychological level, which is normal after ten months on the shelf. It was the lead-up to an important game, but he was serene, so I decided to call him up. We will manage him until the World Cup. We’ll take the time we need to have him in peak shape in January.”
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